Inside our Outdoors

This article is part of Inside Our Outdoors, a series about Southeast Michigan's connected parks, greenways, and trails and how they affect residents' quality of life. It is made possible with funding from the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance.

The North Branch of the Clinton River at Wolcott Mill Metropark.

What is the new future of Southeast Michigan’s parks, post-COVID?

It's widely known that COVID-19 has caused a huge surge in park usage and outdoor activity, but what does that renewed interest in the outdoors mean for the future of Southeast Michigan's parks?

Phragmites along the Clinton River Trail.
New survey tracks invasive species along Clinton River Trail

This Oakland County organization completed a study that should help control invasive species along a popular area trail.

A runner at Lake St. Clair Metropark.
Can parks help lower health care costs? New efforts in Southeast Michigan say yes

Getting outdoors has long been linked to good health, but recent efforts across Southeast Michigan show that the region's parks provide major, measurable benefits to residents' well-being.

Signage at Kensington Metropark.
New wayfinding initiatives keep Southeast Michigan park users on the right path

Throughout Southeast Michigan, dedicated park planners, facilities staff, and community activists are behind the scenes, hard at work, to make sure you don't get lost. 

The Michigan Trails Week Challenge wants participants to log their miles online.
Michigan Trails Week Challenge asks you to get outside and log your miles online

Thinking of getting out and enjoying local trails? Michigan Trails Week is the perfect time to make it happen!

Riding a Biking at Lower Huron Metropark.
New Iron Belle Trail extension will help connect Belleville with Lower Huron Metropark

Riding a bike from Belleville to Lower Huron Metropark is about to get a whole lot easier.

Image promoting the Metropark Express transit service at Lake St. Clair Metropark.
New pilot program will soon offer public transit access to Lake St. Clair Metropark

Access to a Southeast Michigan Metropark will soon be a lot easier for many people, thanks to a new public transit partnership.

A camper returns from a Detroit Outdoors camping trip to Pictured Rocks.
Southeast Michigan’s parks work to be more diverse, equitable, and inclusive for all residents

Outdoor recreation professionals across our region have focused more attention on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and begun thinking about them in new ways, in recent years.

Friends of the St. Clair River volunteers Barb Ford (left) and Chris Danner remove nightshade along the Blue Water River Walk in Port Huron.
Here’s how an army of volunteers plays a crucial role in improving Southeast Michigan parks

Numerous volunteers help maintain, program, and advocate for parks and trails throughout the region.

Bicyclists check out Saturday at the Park on Hines Drive.
On Hines Drive, bikes and pedestrians take over the street once a week

This weekly event at a Wayne County parkway puts non-motorized travelers in the driver's seat.

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